The works of Sr William Davenant ... Consisting of Those which were formerly Printed, and Those which he design'd for the Press: Now published Out of the Authors Originall Copies |
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EPITAPH
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 | The works of Sr William Davenant |  |
EPITAPH
On Mrs. Katherine Cross buried in France.
Within this hallow'd Ground this Seed is sownOf such a Flow'r (though faln e're fully blown)
As will when Doom, the Saints first spring, appears
Be sweet as those which Heavens choice Bosom wears.
Sweeter in wither'd death then fresh Flow'rs are;
And through Deaths foul, and frightful vizard fair:
As calm in Life as others in Deaths shade:
So silent that her Tongue seem'd only made
For Precepts, weigh'd as those in wisest Books:
Yet nought that silence lost us, for her looks
Perswaded more then others by their speech:
Yet more by Deeds then Words she lov'd to teach.
This fair Flow'rs seed let none remove till doom;
No, though to make some great dead Princess room.
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But Saints in Deaths low Palace under Earth
May claim chief place, she was a stranger here,
And born within Opinions giddy Sphear,
A Land, where many, whilst they are alive,
Profanely for the style of Saintship strive
From others, and themselves as Saints esteem;
Yet Sainting after Death prophaness deem.
Thence, young, she from the sinful Living fled
For safety here among the sinless Dead.
Near to this blessed strangers lowly Tomb
Who dares for Neighborhood presume to come?
Unless, as her Religious Proselyte,
Her Mother challenge a just Tenants right.
| The works of Sr William Davenant | |